ROME (KMOX) – Following the recent papal conclave, a Vatican correspondent says the international profile of St. Louis native and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan has increased greatly.

The National Catholic Reporter’s John Allen says before the conclave, Cardinal Dolan was largely an American story but now he has become a global Catholic story, meaning he will receive more speaking invitations and be more sought after across the Catholic world as a point of reference.

“The last two Popes were elected at 78 and 76 [years old],” Allen said. “Dolan is only 63 which means this might not be his last bite at the apple.”

Allen said he has heard from some in the Italian old guard that Cardinal Dolan’s exuberance plays well in New York but might have been a bit of a shock to the system in Rome.

“But, on the other hand, even here in Rome the wheels are turning. In particularly, if we get the reform of the system that many people expect Pope Francis will deliver, it might be a different electorate the next time that might be more ready for the type of high-octane personality someone like Tim Dolan supplies,” he said.